[H. T. P. Comstock, Washoe Diggings, letter to the San Francisco Bulletin, reprinted in the Sacramento Union, October 31, 1859]

 

            The Washoe Diggings.— The following statement appears in the Bulletin, of Oct. 29th:

            In your issue of the 26th inst., under the head of "Late and Interesting Intelligence from the Mines," furnished by Hughes, you have given a very correct statement of the mines and minerals of the locality named (as you say, after an inebriate) "Virginiatown," but properly Silver City. But as from the glowing account by Hughes many good and unfortunate miners may be deceived thereby, I wish to say this much concerning the mines at Silver City (called by Hughes "Virginiatown."):

            1st. The mines are very rich in both silver and gold, so far as they have been prospected.

            2d. By far the richest mines are quartz leads, and of course they require machinery to work them, which requires capital.

            3d. The placer diggings, though good paying diggings, are nearly destitute of water, except from the melting snows in Spring.

            4th. The country is a barren and nearly timberless region. Lumber must be hauled some distance.

            5th. The locality is but recently settled, and nearly destitute of houses to shelter the miners.

            6th. Winter is just coming on, and we are liable to have some months cold, freezing weather, too cold to mine with comfort and health.

            From the above it must be clear that miners and adventurers should not proceed to Silver City with the assurance of making large "piles" with little labor. I cannot advise men to go up before next Spring; nor to leap before they look.

            I further wish to state that though there are many claims being prospected, but comparatively few prove to be worth working. As to the sale of my interest in the "Comstock lead" to Walsh, Hughes is mistaken when he says that Judge Walsh paid me $5,500 for it. That was not the price, nor anywhere near to it. The real consideration has never been made public.

            My means of knowledge of the above facts and statements are: First—Three years mining residence in that locality; Secondly — I was one of the discoverers of the lead bearing my name; Thirdly — I am now engaged in merchandizing at that place, and ought to have some knowledge respecting it.

            It may seem inconsistent for me to take goods, at a great expense, to a locality, when I cannot advise men to hasten thither ; but it will make little difference to me whether I sell my goods this Fall or next Spring, while it would make a great difference to many miners to go up there and spend lour months of time and all their little saving., for years perhaps, before they could get to work profitably.

H. T. P. COMSTOCK.